Description

EXTINCT ELEPHANT BIRD EGGAepyornis maximusMadagascar

The incomparable Elephant Bird was a giant flightless bird that
once inhabited the island of Madagascar off the southeastern coast
of Africa. Likely going extinct by the 17th century, it is widely
suspected that "human activity" may have helped their extinction
along. Aepyornis was one of the heaviest birds and is
believed to have grown to over an astounding 10 feet (3 meters) and
reaching weights approaching 880 pounds (400 kilograms) - at the
time the largest bird in the world! There are even references in
the journal of legendary explorer Marco Polo of encounters with
very large birds on his journeys to the East in the 12th and 13th
centuries - thought to be descriptions of the elephant bird. French
governor of Madagascar, Etienne de Flacourt, recorded frequent
sightings of elephant birds in the 1640s and 1650s, centuries after
the adventures of Marco Polo. Elephant Birds were part of a group
of medium to large sized birds known as ratites - most of which are
flightless. Remains of Aepyornis adults and eggs have been
found, and the egg volume of the huge elephant bird egg would be on
the order of 160 times that of a chicken egg! This pristine
specimen is a fully complete egg, a most significant factor given
the majority of eggs available are "composites" having been
assembled from disarticulated fragments of multiple broken
specimens. Other than a tiny "slit" opening on the back side, which
is often found on such pieces, this egg is in exceptional
condition. While the sheer size of elephant bird eggs makes them
appealing, it is the complete nature and high quality of this
example that makes this such an alluring piece. There is a limited
supply of Elephant Bird eggs - including partial specimens and
fragments - which makes this one a truly unique fossil
curiosity.Overall Measurements: 8 inches in diameter and 11 inches high
(20.32 x 27.94 cm)Offered at no reserve.

Condition Report*:
Condition report available upon request.

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